With the Grand Prix of the Netherlands on the Zandvoort Circuit, Max Verstappen, the four -time world champion Formula 1, dropped a bombshell that makes the hearts of the orange -colored fans beat faster. Only days before his home race, which takes place from 29 to 31 August 2025, Verstappen shared a surprising announcement that fueled both speculation and excitement. Although he retained his characteristic calmness, the Red Bull driver hinted at an important personal milestone: he and his partner Kelly Piquet expect their first child in 2025, a development that may influence his focus and motivation for the season. While the Formula 1 world is preparing for an exciting weekend in the dunes of Zandvoort, Verstappen’s unveiling is the conversation of the day.
The Grand Prix of the Netherlands, the fifteenth race of the 2025 season, marks the return of Formula 1 after a summer break of three weeks. Verstappen, who triumphed on Zandvoort in 2021, 2022 and 2023, faces a challenge after a disappointing fourth place in 2024, when Lando Norris claimed the victory with a dominant McLaren. This year, with a new teammate in the 22-year-old Liam Lawson and a Red Bull car who has difficulty keeping up with McLaren’s speed, the expectations are moderately. Analyst Tom Coronel predicted oppositeRaceXpressThat a podium place, possibly P3, is the highest attainable for Verstappen: “From a realistic point of view, you can’t stand those McLarens. But as a home hero is extra driven.” Nevertheless, Verstappen’s recent announcement has shifted the attention from his racing performance to his private life.
In an interview with Red Bull, published on February 17, 2025, Verstappen spoke frankly about the “exciting” year that lies in front of him, both on and next to the track. “This will be my eleventh season in Formula 1, but it feels like a new start with a new teammate and a baby on the road,” he said laughing. The announcement that he and Piquet, daughter of triple world champion Nelson Piquet, become parents, has released a wave of congratulations on social media. Fans on X, such as @f1fannl, wrote: “Max as father? That will be a champion in the making!” Others speculated about how paternity will influence his driving style, with comments such as: “Maybe he will be even more aggressive on the job to win that title for his child!”
Despite the festive mood, Verstappen remains focused on the race. The Grand Prix of the Netherlands, which is last on the calendar next year, is an emotional moment for the Dutchman. In December 2024 he expressed his disappointment about the disappearance of the race after 2026: “I never thought Zandvoort would return when I started in Formula 1. The organization put down something great, and I am proud of what they have achieved,” he said in Abu Dhabi, according toNU.nl. With a sprintrace planned for 2026, the last edition promises to be a blast, but this year Verstappen is aiming for revenge after the defeat of 2024.
The timetable for the race weekend, as published byAD.nl, looks like this: on Friday, August 29, the first and second free training sessions are at 12:30 and 16:00, followed by the third training and qualification on Saturday at 11:30 and 3:00 pm. The race itself starts on Sunday at 3 p.m. Fans can follow the event for free via Viaplay TV, a gesture that increases the accessibility of Verstappens Thuisrace. Despite McLaren’s dominance, commentator Jack Plooij emphasizedWNLThat Verstappen’s talent is unparalleled: “Even with a lesser car, he stays competitive until the last second. That is what makes him so special.”
Verstappens season 2025 is turbulent, with a backlog of 97 points at World Cup leader Oscar Piastri, as reported byGPBlog. Yet he remains optimistic, as he is againstGPFanssaid, “You have to accept where you stand and keep pushing.” His pole positions in Japan and Great Britain earlier this year, praised by analysts in the podcastNailing The Apex, underline his unparalleled skills. While Zandvoort is preparing for an orange party, Verstappen’s personal and professional journey combines a new dimension on the Grand Prix of the Netherlands, where fans not only cheer for a victory, but also for a future father.
